Measles Outbreak In British Columbia Crosses Northern Border

File photo of the skin of a patient after three days of measles infection.

Heinz F. Eichenwald, MDCDC

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A big measles outbreak in British Columbia has crossed over the border into the American Northwest.

Health officers in B.C.'s Fraser Valley have confirmed over 350 cases of measles there since an outbreak started in early March. Six additional cases have now been diagnosed in Whatcom County, Wash., including a woman in her 20s who has prompted a regionwide alert.

While contagious, she mingled with crowds at a rock concert at Seattle's Key Arena. She also visited Puget Sound tourist attractions such as the Pike Place Market, LeMay Car Museum and Harmon Brewing Company in Tacoma.

Whatcom County Health Officer Greg Stern says this measles outbreak traces back to a religious community in British Columbia's "Bible Belt."

"To the extent that people avoid vaccines, they increase both their risk and the risk of the community so that it can take hold. I'm worried about that."